John Sutton dumped as Rabbitohs skipper as injury cloud hangs over Luke Keary

John Sutton has become the first premiership-winning skipper dumped from leading a title defence in the 107-year history of rugby league as injury concerns emerge about star half Luke Keary on a dramatic day at Redfern.

South Sydney named Greg Inglis as their new captain on Tuesday, just months after Sutton led the foundation club to a breakthrough premiership win. According to league historian David Middleton of League Information Services, Steve Edge is the only captain he can recall being dumped after leading a team on a victory lap. However, that happened midway through 1978, after skippering the Dragons to the title the previous season.

Former Rabbitohs skipper Bob McCarthy described the decision to take the armband off Sutton as "unusual", but backed coach Michael Maguire's judgment.

However, Sutton's agent, Steve Gillis, was mystified as to why the local junior would be dropped so soon after leading Souths to glory.

"I knew nothing about it," Gillis said. "I intend to speak to John as soon as I can to discuss his thoughts regarding it. It doesn't make any sense to me. He led the club to a premiership after a 43-year gap – it certainly doesn't make any sense that he would want to abstain from the [captaincy] duties.

"At the same time, the coach makes the calls, not me or John. We'll have to abide by the umpire's decision."

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Sutton could be forced into another change of role. The most capped player in the history of the club has been making the transition from five-eighth to the forwards, but a foot injury to Keary could force him back into the pivotal role. It's understood Keary carried a foot injury through the back end of last season which is being closely monitored by officials. There are concerns he could face a long lay-off if he requires surgery, although it's hoped he may be able to treat the injury without going under the knife.

Keary, who attended a recent camp for players identified as potential NSW State of Origin representatives, is off contract at the end of the season along with fellow half Adam Reynolds.

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Maguire initially appointed five co-captains upon his arrival at South Sydney but has opted for just one for the 2015 season.

"It's a bit unusual, isn't it?" McCarthy said. "[Sutton] has led us out of the doldrums and to a premiership, so it's a bit of a shock. Obviously the coach has his reasons, I don't know what they are at this stage.

"If it's all the better for the side and Johnny has taken it all right, we'll just go on with it. Perhaps the coach can see some leadership in Greg and if he can lead us into another premiership, then we'll all clap."

In a press release, Maguire said Inglis' appointment would freshen the squad for its title defence.

"John is comfortable with the club's decision and supports the change, and he knows his role within the team won't change much either in terms of what is expected of him as a senior player and a leader amongst the squad," Maguire said.

"He's played more first-grade games for this club than anyone in history and he is still learning in his transition to the forward pack.

"We have a great segment of leaders within the group and we're all working together to ensure we push towards our goals this season."

Inglis says he's looking forward to season 2015 as captain.

"2015 is a very special year for us as a club and to be named as captain is an honour and a privilege," he said.

"We have a big job ahead of us as a squad and the senior players have a responsibility to make sure we get the best out of ourselves as a team each week.

"Like I said last year, my role within the team won't change that much as captain, but it's an honour to be captain of this club, it's a privilege to lead the team out in front of the Rabbitohs members, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly.

"I can't wait for the footy to start and to pull on the red and green jersey again in 2015."

McCarthy backed Inglis to handle the new role.

"He's played 30-odd Tests, 20-odd Origins and scored a million tries. He's one of the legends of the game [and] will probably become an Immortal, the way he's going with his record," McCarthy said. "He will be up there with the other Immortals with all he's achieving, I feel.

"If the coach can see captaincy credentials in him, let's give him a shot. They always have Johnny to go back to if the pressure gets to Greg."